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Sarawak
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Explore Sarawak for rainforest parks, limestone caves, river journeys, diverse cultures and distinctive Bornean food from Kuching to Miri.

Sarawak occupies the north-western part of Borneo, stretching from the South China Sea into a vast interior of rivers, limestone hills, peatlands and equatorial rainforest. It is Malaysia's largest state, and its distances matter: Kuching, the principal gateway in the south-west, is far from the coastal cities of Sibu, Bintulu and Miri, while many interior communities are reached only by river, road or small aircraft. A journey here is best planned around one or two areas rather than treated as a quick extension to a Peninsular Malaysia itinerary.
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Kuching provides an approachable introduction to Sarawak, with a riverside setting, nineteenth-century civic buildings, museums, cafés and access to nearby protected landscapes. Offshore, the Santubong Peninsula combines mangroves, beaches and forested mountain scenery, while Bako National Park is known for coastal trails, sandstone formations and wildlife including proboscis monkeys. Farther south, Gunung Gading National Park is associated with the rare Rafflesia, whose flowering is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed.
The interior reveals another side of the state. Niah National Park protects the Niah Great Cave, an important archaeological site where evidence of human occupation extends deep into prehistory. Around the Rejang River, Sibu reflects the importance of river transport and the history of Foochow Chinese settlement. Miri grew through the petroleum industry and serves as a base for access to the limestone pinnacles of Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park's caves, karst towers and forest trails form one of Borneo's most significant natural landscapes, although reaching it requires careful transport planning.
Sarawak's cultural life is shaped by many communities, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, Chinese and other groups, each with distinct languages, histories, crafts and food traditions. Longhouses remain living communities rather than museum displays, and visits should be arranged respectfully, preferably through established local guides or hosts. Festivals such as the Gawai Dayak harvest celebration and the Rainforest World Music Festival in the Kuching area can add cultural context, but dates and access arrangements vary.
Food ranges from Sarawak laksa and kolo mee to fragrant rice dishes, freshwater fish, jungle produce and layered cakes known as kek lapis Sarawak. The state rewards visitors who allow time for boat journeys, forest walks and changing weather. Humidity, heavy rain and limited services in remote areas are normal parts of travel, while conservation rules and local guidance are essential in national parks and rural communities.

When is the best time to visit Sarawak?

Best: February, July–August · 31–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30300
February (best)31250
March31270
April32300
May32300
June32300
July (best)32250
August (best)32250
September32280
October31310
November31320
December30330

Getting to and around Sarawak

How to get there

Kuching International Airport is the main gateway for south-western Sarawak, with domestic links to Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities and occasional international connections that change over time. Miri International Airport serves northern Sarawak, while Sibu and Bintulu airports are useful for central destinations. Kuala Lumpur is the usual international interchange for many visitors. Sarawak has its own immigration checkpoint within Malaysia, so travellers arriving from Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah should carry their passport and allow time for entry formalities. Main roads connect the major cities, but Gunung Mulu and some interior destinations require a flight, boat journey or organised transfer.

Transportation

Travel between Sarawak's principal cities is usually by air, long-distance coach or car, while rivers remain important in the Rejang basin and some remote districts. Kuching and the larger towns have taxis and app-based urban transport, but services become limited outside built-up areas. A car is useful for exploring areas around Kuching, Miri and Bintulu, although driving at night on unfamiliar roads is unwise because of heavy rain, poor lighting, animals and changing road conditions. National parks and longhouses are often most practical with an arranged guide and transfer. Boat timings, river conditions and rural access can change with weather.

Top city travel guides in Sarawak

The cities of Sarawak, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Sarawak

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Sarawak

Sarawak's attractions range from accessible urban museums and heritage streets to demanding journeys into forest and cave country. Kuching offers the Sarawak Museum complex, the waterfront and historic civic quarter, while the nearby Santubong Peninsula provides rainforest, mangroves and coastal recreation. Bako National Park is one of the state's most approachable protected areas, with marked trails, sandstone headlands, secluded coves and opportunities to observe proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. Gunung Gading National Park is known for forest walks and the possibility of seeing a flowering Rafflesia. In central Sarawak, Niah National Park combines archaeological significance with cave exploration. The Rejang River and Sibu introduce visitors to river transport, markets and local community life. Northern Sarawak adds the petroleum heritage of Miri, the limestone landscapes of Niah and the extensive cave and karst systems of Gunung Mulu National Park. Longhouse visits, craft demonstrations and guided nature excursions can provide cultural context, but they should be arranged respectfully and not treated as staged performances. Distances, weather and access arrangements are part of the experience, particularly beyond the main cities.

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Best landmarks in Sarawak

Kuching's historic core is marked by the Old Courthouse, Fort Margherita and the Astana, a riverside residence associated with the Brooke era; views across the Sarawak River help explain the city's political and commercial development. The Darul Hana Bridge provides a modern urban reference point beside the waterfront, while nearby historic streets contain Chinese temples, shophouses and colonial-era buildings that reflect the city's varied communities. In Miri, the Grand Old Lady, a preserved oil-well structure on Canada Hill, represents the petroleum industry that transformed northern Sarawak. The Niah Great Cave is both a striking natural landmark and an archaeological site tied to many millennia of human activity. Gunung Mulu's limestone pinnacles, cave chambers and karst towers are among the state's most recognisable natural formations. Bako's sandstone coast and sea stacks provide a contrasting landmark landscape, shaped by erosion and viewed along forest trails and headlands. These places are important not simply for appearance but because they express Sarawak's intertwined geological, ecological, political and economic history.

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Explore Sarawak on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Sarawak

Sarawak's food culture reflects its riverine geography and diverse communities. In Kuching, Sarawak laksa is a characteristic breakfast or lunch dish, with a complex, spicy broth, while kolo mee is a springy noodle dish commonly served with savoury toppings. Kampua mee is strongly associated with Foochow communities in and around Sibu, and local eateries also serve freshwater fish, chicken rice, vegetable dishes and regional snacks. Kek lapis Sarawak, with its colourful layered appearance, is a popular gift, although recipes and quality vary between producers. Markets and coffee shops are useful places to explore everyday food rather than relying only on formal restaurants. Coastal and river towns offer seafood and fish dishes, while rural homestays may introduce visitors to rice, jungle vegetables and community cooking traditions. Alcohol availability and dining customs vary between communities, so respectful observation is advisable. Kuching and Miri have the broadest choice of contemporary restaurants, cafés and international food, while smaller towns are often strongest for inexpensive local specialities.

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Best bars in Sarawak

Evening life in Sarawak is concentrated in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu rather than spread evenly across the state. Kuching has riverside and central venues offering cocktails, local and imported beer, live music and relaxed dining, while Miri's nightlife reflects its larger petroleum-influenced commercial base and includes bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Sibu and Bintulu provide a more locally oriented selection of bars, cafés and karaoke establishments. Outside the cities, traditional coffee shops, family restaurants, longhouse gatherings and occasional live performances are more typical than late-night clubbing. Waterfront areas can be pleasant for an evening stroll, but specific businesses and opening arrangements change, so current local information is advisable. Alcohol is not central to every community's social life, and visitors should be especially considerate in predominantly Muslim areas and when staying with rural hosts.

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Best nightclubs in Sarawak

Evening life in Sarawak is concentrated in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu rather than spread evenly across the state. Kuching has riverside and central venues offering cocktails, local and imported beer, live music and relaxed dining, while Miri's nightlife reflects its larger petroleum-influenced commercial base and includes bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Sibu and Bintulu provide a more locally oriented selection of bars, cafés and karaoke establishments. Outside the cities, traditional coffee shops, family restaurants, longhouse gatherings and occasional live performances are more typical than late-night clubbing. Waterfront areas can be pleasant for an evening stroll, but specific businesses and opening arrangements change, so current local information is advisable. Alcohol is not central to every community's social life, and visitors should be especially considerate in predominantly Muslim areas and when staying with rural hosts.

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Best shops in Sarawak

Shopping in Sarawak is strongest in the main towns, where traditional markets, food halls, craft shops, department stores and modern malls serve different purposes. Kuching's central streets and markets are useful for Sarawak snacks, pepper, tea, textiles, beadwork, woodcraft and kek lapis, while galleries and specialist shops may offer contemporary work inspired by Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu designs. Sibu's markets reflect its role as a trading centre in the Rejang basin, with local food products and everyday goods rather than luxury retail. Miri provides the broadest northern choice of malls and practical shopping, alongside crafts and regional produce. Visitors should distinguish genuinely handmade items from mass-produced souvenirs and buy responsibly where materials may involve protected wildlife or plants. When purchasing ceremonial-looking objects or community crafts, ask about their meaning and origin rather than treating them as generic decorations. Rural markets and longhouse visits can offer distinctive products, but availability is seasonal and payment is often cash-only.

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Sarawak essentials

Currency and Payment
Sarawak uses the Malaysian ringgit, coded MYR, like the rest of Malaysia. Cards and contactless payments are common in hotels, shopping centres and established restaurants in Kuching, Miri, Sibu and Bintulu, while cash remains useful at markets, small eateries, rural homestays, park counters and for local transport. ATMs are concentrated in towns, so withdraw sufficient ringgit before travelling to national parks or remote communities. Keep notes in modest denominations, as smaller vendors may have limited change.
Safety
Most visits are trouble-free, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in busy markets, transport areas and crowded events. Tropical rain can make roads, trails and river crossings hazardous, and heat and humidity increase the risk of dehydration. Follow warnings in national parks, do not swim in unfamiliar rivers or coastal waters, and use care around slippery cave surfaces and steep trails. Leeches, insects and occasional encounters with wildlife are possible in forest areas. For remote travel, share an itinerary, use reputable operators and avoid assuming that mobile coverage or medical assistance will be available.
Emergency Situations
Malaysia's main emergency number is 999 for police, fire and ambulance services; 112 can generally be dialled from mobile phones. In remote parks, river areas and caves, contact staff or guides immediately because response times and communications can be slower. Coastguard or marine assistance may be coordinated through the relevant authorities when needed. Take comprehensive travel insurance for trekking, caving, boat journeys and medical evacuation, and retain your accommodation details and passport information in an accessible form.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, temples, longhouses or private communities, and remove shoes where requested. Ask permission before photographing people, ceremonies, homes or religious objects. Do not touch objects in caves or archaeological areas, feed wildlife, litter or remove plants and shells from protected places. At longhouses, follow the host's guidance about communal areas and customary gifts or contributions. Malaysian dining etiquette varies by community, but washing hands before eating with the right hand is customary in some settings; observe others and follow local practice. Tipping is discretionary rather than a universal obligation.
Local Tips
Kuching is a practical base for nearby parks and cultural visits, while Miri is better placed for northern attractions such as Niah and Gunung Mulu access. River towns including Sibu are most rewarding when treated as destinations rather than brief transport stops. Confirm park permits, boat transfers and guide arrangements before leaving the cities, especially in the wet season. Sarawak laksa and kolo mee are widely available in urban areas, but food traditions vary between communities, so regional markets and homestays can provide a broader view of local cooking.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSelamat datang[suh-lah-mat dah-tang]
GoodbyeSelamat tinggal[suh-lah-mat ting-gal]
YesYa[yah]
NoTidak[tee-dak]
Please/You're welcomeSila[see-lah]
Thank youTerima kasih[teh-ree-mah kah-see]
Excuse me/SorryMaaf[mah-ahf]
How are you?Apa khabar?[ah-pah kah-bar]
Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?[bye-k. dan kah-moo]
Do you speak English?Adakah kamu boleh berbahasa Inggeris?[ah-dah-kah kah-moo boh-leh ber-bah-sah in-ger-is]
I don't understandSaya tidak faham[sah-yah tee-dak fah-ham]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin lihat menu, sila[sah-yah een-gin lee-hat meh-nu, see-lah]
I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging[sah-yah tee-dak mah-kan dah-ging]
Cheers!Bersulang![ber-soo-lahng]
I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin bayar, sila[sah-yah een-gin bye-yar, see-lah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tolong![toh-long]
Go away!Pergi jauh![per-ghee jah-oh]
Call the Police!Panggil polis![pang-gil poh-lis]
Call a doctor!Panggil doktor![pang-gil dok-tor]
I'm lostSaya sesat[sah-yah suh-sat]
I'm illSaya sakit[sah-yah sah-kit]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Saya ingin beli...[sah-yah een-gin buh-lee]
I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat[sah-yah hah-nya meh-lee-hat]
How much is it?Berapa harganya?[ber-ah-pah har-gah-nya]
That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal[ee-too ter-lah-loo mah-hal]
Can you lower the price?Boleh turunkan harga?[boh-leh too-run-kan har-gah]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Pukul berapa?[poo-kul ber-ah-pah]
It's one o'clockPukul satu[poo-kul sah-too]
Half past (10)Setengah (10)[seh-teng-ah (10)]
MorningPagi[pah-gee]
AfternoonPetang[peh-tang]
EveningMalam[mah-lahm]
YesterdaySemalam[seh-mah-lahm]
TodayHari ini[hah-ree ee-nee]
TomorrowEsok[eh-sok]
1Satu[sah-too]
2Dua[doo-ah]
3Tiga[tee-gah]
4Empat[em-pah-t]
5Lima[lee-mah]
6Enam[eh-nahm]
7Tujuh[too-joo]
8Lapan[lah-pahn]
9Sembilan[sem-bee-lahn]
10Sepuluh[seh-poo-loo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Di mana ...?[dee mah-nah]
What's the address?Apa alamatnya?[ah-pah ah-lah-mah-nya]
Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan pada saya (di peta)?[boh-leh toon-jook-kan pah-dah sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?[bee-lah bahs seh-teh-roos-nya]
A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ...)[tee-ket (keh ...)]

History of Sarawak

Prehistoric Niah and Early Settlement

The caves of Niah, in northern Sarawak, preserve one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological records. Excavations in the Niah Great Cave have revealed evidence of human activity dating back tens of thousands of years, together with later burial practices, tools and traces of changing lifeways. The cave was also used historically for collecting birds' nests and guano. Its importance lies not only in its dramatic geology but in the long continuity of human interaction with Borneo's forests. Today, the archaeological landscape forms part of Niah National Park, where visitors can see how subsistence, trade and ritual were linked to the cave environment.

River Communities and Indigenous Societies

Before modern roads and state administration, Sarawak's rivers were its principal routes of movement and exchange. Iban communities expanded through parts of the interior, while Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and other communities developed distinctive settlements, social systems, languages and forms of craft. Longhouses, although adapted over time, reflect the importance of shared residential space among several indigenous groups. Coastal and riverine communities also traded forest products, rice, fish and manufactured goods. These histories remain visible in settlement patterns, oral traditions, architecture and the continuing cultural importance of rivers.

The Brooke Raj and Kuching's Historic Core

Sarawak was ruled by the Brooke family, a dynasty of British adventurers and their successors, from 1841 until the Second World War. James Brooke became the first White Rajah, followed by Charles Brooke and Charles Vyner Brooke. Their administration expanded its control unevenly across the territory through treaties, military campaigns and alliances, while encouraging trade and building government infrastructure. Kuching's Old Courthouse, Fort Margherita and riverside civic buildings date from this era or its aftermath. The Brooke period left a powerful and contested legacy, combining state formation and architectural development with colonial hierarchy and conflict.

Trade, Migration and Urban Growth

From the nineteenth century onwards, Sarawak's towns grew through river commerce, agricultural production and migration. Chinese communities, including Foochow settlers in the Rejang basin, became important in trade, farming and urban life; Malay and Melanau communities were central to coastal and river economies, while indigenous peoples maintained extensive interior networks. Sibu's development reflects the commercial significance of the Rejang River, while Kuching became an administrative and trading centre. Pepper, sago, rubber and forest products shaped different local economies, linking Sarawak to regional markets without erasing the importance of subsistence production.

Japanese Occupation and Post-war Transition

Japanese forces occupied Sarawak from 1941 until 1945, disrupting administration, trade and everyday life during the Second World War. The period brought shortages, coercion and hardship, and the war's effects were felt in towns and rural communities alike. After liberation, Sarawak returned briefly to the Brooke dynasty before Charles Vyner Brooke ceded it to the British Crown in 1946. This decision was controversial locally and contributed to political movements opposing colonial rule. The Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial Museum and other heritage sites provide context, but the period is best understood through multiple community experiences rather than a single narrative.

Formation of Malaysia and Modern Sarawak

Sarawak became part of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, alongside Sabah, Malaya and Singapore, which later left the federation. The agreement and the safeguards associated with Sarawak's entry remain important in state politics and public discussion. Since then, the state has experienced rapid urbanisation, road building and expansion of the energy, timber, plantation and service economies. Petroleum transformed Miri and contributed to wider industrial development, while environmental pressures have intensified around forests, rivers and rural land. Contemporary Sarawak combines Malaysian national institutions with strong state-level identity and diverse local cultures.

Conservation and Cultural Recognition

Late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century conservation efforts brought international attention to Sarawak's rainforests, caves and limestone landscapes. Gunung Mulu National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its exceptional karst formations, cave systems and biodiversity. Other parks, including Bako, Niah and Gunung Gading, protect different combinations of coastal, lowland and limestone habitats. Conservation has also encouraged new forms of ecotourism, although access, development and the rights of communities living near forest areas remain subjects of continuing debate. Tourism in Sarawak is therefore inseparable from questions of stewardship and cultural respect.

Sarawak in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sarawak, Malaysia

Discover Sarawak like never before with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, all in one place.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Sarawak
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences within the app
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Unlock the secrets of Sarawak with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Plan your trip, explore top attractions, and book experiences effortlessly.

  • History of Sarawak and travel essentials
  • Local advice and curated tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Sarawak, a land of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Evendo is your perfect travel companion, offering detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Sarawak. Whether you are planning to visit the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village, marvel at the natural beauty of Bako National Park, or explore the bustling streets of Kuching, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you can explore famous landmarks such as the astonishing Mulu Caves, the historical Fort Margherita, and the enchanting Sarawak River. Discover top-rated restaurants like The Junk and Bla Bla Bla, where you can indulge in local culinary delights. Our app provides rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

One of the standout features of Evendo is its ability to let you book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see, do, and experience, and then figuring out how to get there and get tickets. Evendo has it all in one place, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Evendo is packed with features like the history of Sarawak, travel essentials, tons of good local advice, and easy navigation through the app and the city. The 'Near Me' feature helps you easily see what is around you, no matter where you are, and curated local tips ensure you experience Sarawak like a local. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

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